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Airbnb vs Vrbo
We compare the holiday rentals from Airbnb and Vrbo, including the deals, locations, properties and more.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
When looking for holiday rental accommodation, Airbnb is far from the only option these days. This can make it difficult to decide which rental company can give you the best deal next time you travel.
So to cull any confusion and set you on the right path, we've compared Vrbo and Airbnb to see how they stack up on everything from locations to properties to safety to deals.
Airbnb vs Vrbo
| Feature | Airbnb | Vrbo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where are its hotels/stays? | Airbnb operates in 81,000 cities across 191 countries. | Vrbo lists 265,000+ properties in 100 countries. | Airbnb has stays in more countries. |
| Is it safe? | Yes. Both hosts and guests are vetted and monitored, and payments are secure. Hosts and guests can evaluate one another through feedback. | Yes. Owners and listings are vetted and monitored and reviews give you insight into previous guests' experiences. Payments are secure. | Airbnb and Vrbo are both very safe. Nevertheless, you should always watch for suspicious behaviour and put your safety first. |
| Is there free breakfast? | Hosts can choose to include free breakfast. | Some listings, such as bed and breakfasts, provide free breakfast. | Both have listings that offer free breakfast. |
| Is there a loyalty programme? | No. | No. | Neither company has a loyalty programme. |
| Is it partnered with anyone? | No. | Vrbo is part of the HomeAway family brands, which itself is part of the Expedia family. Vrbo has strong connections to its sister brands. | Vrbo has strong connections within its brand family. |
| Is there free Wi-Fi? | Most properties have free Wi-Fi available. | Most properties offer free Wi-Fi. | Airbnb and Vrbo listings typically have free Wi-Fi. |
| Are stays pet-friendly? | Some listings are pet-friendly; this will be mentioned in the description. | Vrbo has more than 25,000 pet-friendly properties. | Both companies offer pet-friendly accommodation. |
| Are stays family-friendly? | Airbnb includes many family-friendly listings. Potential hazards for children are outlined in the property description. | Most Vrbo properties are family-friendly. Some include amenities such as cots and high chairs. | Both companies have many family-friendly listings. |
| Is there online chat? | No. | No. | Neither has online chat. |
| What are my payment options? |
| Payment options vary, but typically include:
| Airbnb has more consistent payment options. |
| Are there gift cards? | Yes. | No. | Airbnb gift cards are available. |
| Are there service fees? | Yes, for most listings. | Yes. The service fee is usually 6-12% of the total cost. | Both charge service fees. |
| Is there an age limit? | Age limits are very uncommon and imposed at the host’s discretion. | Most listings do not have an age limit, although hosts can set a limit if they so choose. | Typically, neither has an age limit. |
| Is there a deposit? | Yes. Payments are processed when the booking is approved. | Yes. Payment is taken as soon as the booking is confirmed. | Both require a deposit. |
| Does it allow for long-term rentals? | Some properties accept long-term rentals, which take payments on a monthly basis. | Some listings state in their description that they accept long-term rentals. | Long-term rentals are accepted by some listings on Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| Do hosts provide towels and shampoo? | Hosts provide towels and shampoo if they so choose. | Some hosts choose to provide towels and shampoo. | Both companies allow hosts to choose whether to supply towels and shampoo. |
| Will the host be there? | This depends on the accommodation arrangements. If you book a whole property, you will have it to yourself, although your host will usually welcome you upon arrival. | Your host will usually welcome you upon arrival, then leave. However, this depends on the type of accommodation and any prior agreements between you and the host. | The host’s presence varies from listing to listing. Vrbo offers more stays that are completely private. |
| Can I price match? | No. | No. | Neither company will price match. |
| Does it allow for cancellations or changes? | Yes. Fees may apply. Refunds may be available. | Yes. Cancellation policies are largely determined by the host, so there is a lot of variation. | Both companies allow for cancellation and changes, although policies vary. |
| Does it have smoking rooms? | Some properties have smoking rooms. | Smoking rooms are available in some properties. | Airbnb and Vrbo both have a select number of listings offering smoking rooms. |
| Book | Book your stay through Airbnb | Book your stay through Vrbo | - |
Who offers the best price?
It's rare to find the exact same stay on both Airbnb and Vrbo and both homestay companies offer a wide variety of options to suit your budget, travel style and group size.
So, to find the best answer to who offers the best price, we compared two-bed apartments in similar locations on the Gold Coast, near SkyPoint Observation deck, available on the same day.
The verdict?
Even though prices are dictated by the host, we found very similar prices with Airbnb offering a modern apartment for $244 (or $122 per night) while Vrbo was offering its apartment for $126 per night. It's a close call and it could be the finer details of each listing that will win your business.
Any other differences worth noting?
A major difference between Airbnb and Vrbo is the accommodation options. While Vrbo has an excellent range of homes, traditional holiday rentals, lake houses and cabins, Airbnb listings can range from campsites to penthouses, and properties are often shared with the host or other guests. This makes it especially important to read the listing carefully before booking so that you know what you’re getting in terms of sleeping arrangements, space sharing and amenities.
To counter this, Vrbo is part of a larger network of homestay brands, including HomeAway, Stayz, VacationRentals.com and more which opens up more possibilities worldwide.
Another difference is Airbnb’s additional services. These consist of Airbnb Experiences, which allows locals to sell experiences to visitors, Airbnb Restaurants, which lets you browse and book the top restaurants in your location, and Airbnb Plus, which offers upmarket, quality verified accommodation.
Are there deals?
Deals on Airbnb are created and managed by property hosts. Hosts can set discounts for certain dates, or take a percentage off the overall rate. Long-term rental discounts and service fee discounts are also on offer. Unfortunately, there’s no way to browse current deals.
Vrbo also allows property hosts to set and manage special offers for certain dates and trip lengths. Like Airbnb, Vrbo does not have a special deals page or search filter.
The verdict?
Airbnb andVrbo both have very similar deals systems, allowing hosts to manage discounts for their listings and offering no simple means of browsing current deals.
Top Airbnb and Vrbo deals:
Airbnb
Australia stays from $14 per night
Available on stays until 2021 in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is for a private room in Sydney. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Refer a friend and get a $25 Airbnb credit
Give a friend $50 toward their first stay and get $25 credit for yourself toward a future booking.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Melbourne getaways from $103
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a pet-friendly apartment in Hawthorn. Destinations include Carlton, Caulfield, Brunswick, South Yarra, St Kilda East and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Victoria treehouse getaway from $80 per night
Available on select travel dates in 2021. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Cabins and cottages stays from $51/night
Available on stays across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and more. Sample stay is at Ferney, Queensland. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Adelaide getaways from $111
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a private room in Windsor Gardens. Destinations include Lockleys, West Beach, Black Forest, Cowandilla and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Tasmania getaways from $139
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a private room in Murdunna. Destinations include Penguin, South Hobart, Wilmot, Launceston and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Perth getaways from $146
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a private room in Mount Hawthorn. Destinations include Nedlands, Palmyra, Wandi, Morley, Hamilton Hill, Woodlands and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Queensland getaways from $170
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a private room in Ashmore. Destinations include Maleny, Mooloolaba, Surfers Paradise, Tewantin and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Easter weekend: 3-night Sydney getaways from $85
Available for stays from 2-5 April 2021. Sample price is for a stay at a private room close to Sydney Airport in Mascot. Destinations include Waterloo, Bondi Beach, Yennora and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Melbourne activities from $30
Available on select dates and select experiences including walking tours, kayak adventures, wine tours and more. Sample rate is for a Latin dance class and party. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Sydney activities from $20
Available on select travel dates on select activities including snorkeling, hiking, animal interactions and more. Sample fare is for a. American Bison encounter. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Sydney animal interaction adventure from $285
Available on select travel dates until 2022 and includes lunch, drinks and transfers. Attractions include Royal National Park, Symbio Wildlife Park, Bald Hill Lookout and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Sydney harbour cruise from $45
Available on select travel dates until April 2021 for a 1-hour experience. Includes a beverage and snacks. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Sydney stays from just $40 per night
Valid for travel on select dates. Sample accommodation is in Beverly Hills. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Gold Coast stays from $49/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample accommodation is in Surfers Paradise. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Darwin stays from $22/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is at Humpty Doo Hostel. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
New Zealand stays from $16/night
Available on select dates for Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch stays. Sample stay is for a campsite in Hokitika. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Perth stays from $19/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample accommodation is near Cathedral Square. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Adelaide stays from $27/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample accommodation is in Central Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Melbourne stays from $50/night
Available on select stay dates from June 2020 onward. Sample accommodation is in Melbourne Central Business District. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Cradle Mountain stays from $32/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is at La Truite Dort Country Lodge. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Launceston stays from $37/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is at LOCKLEIGH PARK Estate. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Tasmania stays from $16/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for a cabin near Hobart CBD. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Vrbo
New York City accommodation from US$40 per night
Find budget apartment rentals in New York City from Vrbo, starting as low as US$40 per night.
Last verified
Airbnb
$179: Hunter Valley wine tour experience
Available on select travel dates until December 2021. Includes free wine samples and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Blue Mountains hiking experience from $75
Available on select travel dates for a 5-hour trip. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Canberra stays from $16/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for a private room in O'Connor. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Sunshine Coast stays from $20/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for a camping tent in Woodford. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Broome stays from $70/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for an entire guest suite in Cable Beach. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Cairns stays from $16/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for a private room in Parramatta Park. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Hobart stays from $16/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for an entire cabin in Mount Rumney. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Airbnb
Los Angeles stays from $33 per room
Valid for travel on select dates. Sample price is a private room in Pico Rivera. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Vrbo
Sign up to receive special offers
Subscribe your email to get special offers, travel inspiration, and more from Vrbo. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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